Apparatus for detecting defective yarn conditions

ABSTRACT

Apparatus arrangement for detecting defective conditions in a running yarn in a textile processing operation includes a yarn shear device and a waste jet aspirating device positioned along the running yarn path to cut the running yarn and aspirate the yarn into a waste container; each of the latter devices being activated either upon detection by a yarn sensor device of yarn breaks of roll wraps on an adjacent roll in the path, or upon detection of an excess of a predetermined number of slubs per unit of time by a slub detector connected to a monitoring device.

United States Patent conditions in a running yarn in a textile processing operation includes a yarn shear device and a waste jet aspirating device g gaws DETECTING DEFECTIVE YARN positioned 'alng'the running yarn path a eumifiniifii'yafii' 7 cm 7 Drum 8 and aspirate the yarn into a waste container; each of the latter t devices being activated either upon detection by a yarn sensor device of yam breaks of roll wraps on an adjacent roll in the path, or upon detection of an excess of a predetermined 28/64; number of slubs per unit of time by a slub detector connected to a monitoring device.

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[51] lnt.Cl...... [50] Fitld i liM W PATENTED JUL2 7 I97! SHEET 1 0F 4 MERTON L. DIBBLE INVENTOR.

AYTTORNFY MERTON L. maeuz INVENTOR.

BY J 2*;141

ATTORNEY SHEET 2 OF 4 WWWJL I PATENTED JUL2 7 I97:

, FIGZ PATENTED JUL27 l9?! YARN INDICATOR LAMP SLUB DETECTOR PLANT AlR SOLENOID VALVE YARN SHEAR SOLID STATE RELAY YARN YARN SENSOR MERTON L4 DIBBLE INVENTOR BY tgi lnflm/ FIG. 3

AT TORN EY PATENTEDJULUBH 3594' 880 SHEET U 0F 4 FIG. 4 F|G.5

FIGES FIG? MERTO .DIB L ENT BY (Ff C0 6,44 'ACZLM ATTORNFY APPARATUS FOR DETECTING DEFECTIVE YARN I CONDITIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus arrangement in a textile processing operation for detecting defective conditions in a running yarn such as yarn breaks, roll wraps, undesirable slubbing and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are numerous devices and apparatus in the prior art for detecting yarn or thread breaks when processing such yarn or thread from one position to the next in a textile operation. One such apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,438,] 88, issued Apr. I5, 1969, in which a feeler arm upon sensing a significant variation in tension on a running strand causes movement of the feeler arm to activate a microswitch, which in turn activates a cutter to sever .the strand. The microswitch may also be connected in circuit with a signal light or other signalling device so as to activate same to indicate to the operator that a significant variation or breakage has occurred.

Another such apparatus is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,391,840, issued July 9, I968, in which a photosensitive detector, upon detection of a yarn break, activates a waste jet so that the broken end of the yarn is picked up by the jet and drawn away.

The present invention provides an improved apparatus arrangement that is responsive to defective conditions of the running yarn, such as roll wraps or slubs in excess of a predetermined number per unit of time, by detecting such conditions, and upon such detection cutting the yarn and aspirating the cut end into a waste container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The improved apparatus arrangement for detecting defective conditions in a running yarn in a textile processing operation includes a yarn shear device and a waste jet aspirating device that are positioned along the path of the running yarn to cut the running yarn and aspirate the yarn into a waste container. Each of the latter two devices are activated either upon the detection action of a simply constructed yarn sensor device that detects yarn breaks or yarn roll wraps on an adjacent roll in the path, or by a slub detector conncctedto a monitoring device that activates upon detection of an excess of a predetermined number of slubs per unit of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects and advantages of the invention will be understood in the following description and in the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spinning cabinet on which the improved apparatus arrangement may be used;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 1 but illustrating the running yarn being aspirated into a waste jet device just after the occurrence of a roll wrap and subsequent cutting of the yarn;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, schematic illustration of the running yarn in relation to the improved apparatus arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view of the yarn sensor device illustrating the running yarn in engagement with the pivotal member;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the yarn sensor device of FIG. 4 illustrating the magnet in an ineffective operating zone relative to the reed switch;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view similar to FIG. 4 except that the yarn no longer engages the pivotal member; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the yarn sen- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In reference to the drawings and especially FIG. 1, l0 designates a running yarn which is a continuous length filamentary material that may be of polyester fiber or any other manmade fiber. The running yarn is shown as coming from a supply source, such as the quenching chimney 12, to the spinning cabinet 14 for initial processing of the yarn as by passing through a lubrication device 16, then through a slub detector device l8, partly around godet roll 20, and then around godet roll 22 for subsequent processing as by joining other running yarns (not shown) coming from other spinning cabinets (not shown).

The improved apparatus arrangement for detecting and responding to defective conditions in the running yarn includes a waste jet aspirating device 24, the previously mentioned slub detector device 18, a yarn shear device 26, and a sor device of FIG. 6 but illustrating the magnet as having yarn sensor device 28, each of which is positioned along the yarn path.

The waste jet aspirating device 24 is preferably located along the yarn path after the running yarn has passed by the lubrication device 16; lubricated waste yarn is easier to handle than nonlubricated yarn. It has been found that the jet device will be most effective if its inlet is spaced approximately l kinches from the yarn. The jet may aspirate the yarn into a conventional waste container. v

The use of a slub detector is not in itself novel as it is conventional in melt spinning, for instance, to count the number of slubs from eachspinning cabinet. An example of such slub detector is shown in US. Pat. No. 3,386,145 which issued to James E. Harris on June 4, 1968. What is novel, however, is the use of a slub detector device in conjunction. with a monitoring device, the latter being arranged to count and register a predetermined number of slubs for a predetermined unit of time. The monitoring device is shown at 30 in FIGS and is labeled SIubs/Time Totalizer. It may be set to activate the waste jet device 24 and the yarn sheardevice 26 upon detection and registering, for instance, in excess of nine slubs over the period of 1 hour of operation. In other words, if the monitoring device registers as many as 10 slubs during 1 hour of operation, the running yarn from the particular spinning cabinet will be terminated by cutting and aspirating into a waste container the cut end of the yarn coming from the supply source. Detection of such number of slubs per operating hour will indicate that there is a defective condition for that particular spinning cabinet that must be corrected.

The slub detector device 18 is provided with guides or pins I9 between which the running yarn passes through the slub detector past a slub sensing or detecting element 21.

The yarn shear device 26 is deemed to be conventional, thus its details may vary as desired. Although it is disclosed as being pneumatically operated, it may also be electrically operated.

Another defective condition is the occurrence of broken filaments which are often the cause of roll wraps on the godet rolls. A roll wrap will usually occur at godet roll 22 because the yarn travels over a greater portion of the godet roll at that position. Accordingly, the yarn sensor device 28 is positioned adjacent godet roll '22 in such manner that upon the occurrence of a roll wrap on godet roll 22, the running yarn will be caused to be lifted from the sensor device to cause subsequent activation of the waste jet aspirating device and the yarn shear device.

The yarn sensor device 28 comprises a housing 32, and a rocker arm or member 34 that is pivotally mounted in the housing. The pivotal member is provided at one end with a wear surface 36, suchas may be formed by coating with ceramic material, for engagement by the running yarn. The pivotal member is provided at its opposite end with a magnet 38. The opposite end of the pivotal member is so weighted that when the running yarn is out of engagement with the wear surface (FIGS. 6 and 7), the magnet will be moved or biased into the effective operating zone of the magnetically responsive reed switch shown at 40, the latter being disposed at a sealed location within the housing adjacent the end of the pivotal member containing the magnet. The reed switch includes a pair of electrical contacts 42 that close together when the magnet moves into the effective operating zone (FIGS. 6 and 7), and that open when the magnet has been moved or biased into the ineffective operating zone (FIGS. 4 and 5). The reed switch is connected through its leads 45 to an electrical circuit for activating the waste jet device and the yarn shear device through the agency of a solid state relay device 44 and solenoid valve 46. The solenoid valve is shown in FIG. 3 as being conventionally connected to the plant air system so as to open the air line for admitting air to operate the pneumatic yarn shear device and the waste jet aspirating device. The monitoring device 30 is also connected through the solidstate relay device 44 and solenoid valve 46 for activating the yarn shear device and the waste jet device.

The yarn sensor device 28 is adapted to be attached to the spinning cabinet so that the pivotal member or rocker arm 34 is horizontally disposed along the path of the running yarn.

The housing 32 is provided with a chamber 33 that is horizon-.

tally disposed for receipt of the pivotal member, and defines an opening 35 along its upper surface through which the running yarn may be slidingly inserted for moving over and into engagement with the wear surface 36 on the pivotal member.

The electrical circuit in which the monitoring device, solid state relay device and the solenoid valve are connected may also include an indicator lamp 48 to show if the circuit is in condition for operation. The manual switch 50 is provided in the event it is desired to shut down the defective condition detecting apparatus arrangement for the particular spinning cabinet.

in operation, the running yarn moves along its path until a defective condition occurs. Such defective condition might be a roll wrap or a yam break, either of which would be detected by yarn sensor device 28. If a roll wrap occurs on godet roll 22, the resulting wrap after more than one revolution or wrap around the godet roll will cause a lifting of the yarn from the ceramic surface 36 of the pivotal member 34 and the magnet 38 will thus move into the effective operating zone of the reed switch 40. FIG. 2 shows the yarn being aspirated into the waste jet device shortly after the occurrence of a roll wrap on godet roll 22. A yarn break would result in a similar action since the yarn would no longer be in engagement with the wear surface on the pivotal member to hold the magnet in the ineffective operating zone relative to the reed switch.

If the defective condition is an excess of slubs over a predetermined set number per predetermined time unit, the monitoring device 30 will register such through the slub detec- .tor device l8 and trigger into activation the waste jet device and the yarn shear device upon the occurrence of such excess. It will be apparent that the improved apparatus arrangement described above may be used in conjunction with textile processing apparatus other than spinning cabinets, since the latter use was intended to be only one example of the utility of the apparatus arrangement.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 claim: 1. Apparatus for detecting predetermined defective yarn conditions in a yarn moving along a path from a source to subsequent processing operations, and comprising:

means disposed adjacent the yarn path and adapted to sense a predetermined defective condition in the moving yarn;

cutting means disposed adjacent the yarn path adapted to be responsive to the means sensing said defective condition and upon the occurrence of such detection to be activated into cutting the yarn; and

waste jet aspirating means disposed adjacent the yarn path and between the cutting means and the source and adapted in response to detection of the defective condition to be activated into aspirating into a waste container the cut end of that part of the yarn coming from the source.

5 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and wherein said means adapted to sense a predetermined defective yarn condition comprises:

a slub detector having guide means through which the yarn is guided in its path and a sensing element for engaging and detecting slubs in the yarn; and

monitoring means adapted to monitor the number of slubs detected by the slub detector and to activate the cutting means and the waste jet aspirating means upon the slub l detector detecting in excess of a predetermined number of slubs per unit of time.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1', and wherein said means adapted to sense a predetermined yarn condition is a yarn sensor, comprising:

a housing disposed along the path of the moving yarn;

a rocker arm pivotably supported in the housing and having at one end a surface adapted to be engaged by a moving yarn so as to bias the rocker arm into inoperative position and at the other end a magnet of such weight as to bias the rocker arm into operative position when the yarn is out of engagement with said surface of the rocker arm; and I a reed switch mounted within the housing adjacent the end of the rocker arm having the magnet and having contacts that have effective and ineffective operating zones as related to the'magnet so that when the magnet causes the rocker arm to be moved into the operative position, which is within the effective operating zone, the contacts are in engagement and when the magnet is moved into the ineffective operating zone when the rocker arm is moved into the inoperative positive position the contacts are out of engagement, respectively, for activating and inactivating the cutting means and the waste jet aspirating means.

4. Apparatus for detecting predetermined defective yarn 40 conditions in a yarn moving along a path from a source to subsequent processing operations; and comprising:

a slub detector having guide means through which the yarn is guided in its path and a sensing element for engaging and detecting slubs in the yarn;

monitoring means adapted to monitor the number of slubs detected by the slub detector and adapted to initiate a signal upon the slub detector detecting in excess of a predetermined number of slubs per unit of time;

a yarn sensor disposed adjacent the yarn path and comprising a housing, a rocker arm pivotably supported in the housing and having at one end a surface adapted to be engaged by a moving yarn so as to bias the rocker arm into inoperative position and at the other end a magnet of such weight as to bias the rocker arm into operative position when the yarn is out of engagement with said surface of the rocker arm, and a reed switch mounted within the housing adjacent the end of the rocker arm having the magnet and having contacts that have effective and ineffective operating zones as related to the magnet so that when the magnet causes the rocker arm to be moved into the operative position, which is within the effective operating zone, the contacts are in engagement for closing an electrical circuit and when the magnet is moved into the ineffective operating zone when the rocker arm is moved into the inoperative position the contacts are out of engagement for opening the electrical circuit;

cutting means disposed adjacent the yarn path and adapted to be responsive to either the signal initiated by the moni toring means or when the contacts on the rocker arm are in engagement and upon the happening of either one of these occurrences to be activated into cutting the yarn;

waste jet aspirator disposed adjacent the yarn path between the cutting means and the source and adapted in response to the activation of the cutting means to be activated into aspirating into a waste container the cut end of that part of the yarn coming from the source; and

electrical circuit means in which are connected the waste jet a'spirating means, the cutting means, the slub detector, the monitoring means and the yarn sensor.

5. A sensing device adapted to be positioned along the path of a moving continuous length of material for closing and opening an electrical circuit, depending upon whether the material is in engagement or out of engagement with the device, and comprising:

a housing;

a member pivotally supported in the housing and having at one end remote from its position of pivotal support a surface adapted to be engaged by the moving material which biases the member into inoperative position and at the opposite end remote from said pivotal support a magnet, said opposite end being of such weight as to bias the member into operative position when the moving material is out of engagement with said surface of the member; and

electrical contacts adapted to be connected within said electrical circuit and to be magnetically responsive and mounted within the housing adjacent the end of the member having the magnet, the electrical contacts having effective and ineffective operating zones as related to the adapted to be horizontally disposed along the path of the moving continuous length of material, and the member being similarly horizontally disposed within the housing; the housing having wall means defining therewithin a horizontally disposed chamber within which the member may freely pivot, and further defining at one end of the housing an opening through which the material may be slidingly inserted for moving over and in engagement with said surface on the member.

7. A sensing device as defined in claim 5, and wherein said electrical contacts define a reed switch with the electrical contacts being normally spaced from each other when the magnet on the opposite end of the member is in the ineffective operating zone, and being in engagement with each other when the magnet is in the effective operating zone. 

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and wherein said means adapted to sense a predetermined defective yarn condition comprises: a slub detector having guide means through which the yarn is guided in its path and a sensing element for engaging and detecting slubs in the yarn; and monitoring means adapted to monitor the number of slubs detected by the slub detector and to activate the cutting means and the waste jet aspirating means upon the slub detector detecting in excess of a predetermined number of slubs per unit of time.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and wherein said means adapted to sense a predetermined yarn condition is a yarn sensor, comprising: a housing disposed along the path of the moving yarn; a rocker arm pivotably supported in the housing and having at one end a surface adapted to be engaged by a moving yarn so as to bias the rocker arm into inoperative position and at the other end a magnet of such weight as to bias the rocker arm into operative position when the yarn is out of engagement with said surface of the rocker arm; and a reed switch mounted within the housing adjacent the end of the rocker arm having the magnet and having contacts that have effective and ineffective operating zones as related to the magnet so that when the magnet causes the rocker arm to be moved into the operative position, which is within the effective operating zone, the contacts are in engagement and when the magnet is moved into the ineffective operating zone when the rocker arm is moved into the inoperative positive position the contacts are out of engagement, respectively, for activating and inactivating the cutting means and the waste jet aspirating means.
 4. Apparatus for detecting predetermined defective yarn conditions in a yarn moving along a path from a source to subsequent processing operations; and comprising: a slub detector having guide means through which the yarn is guided in its path and a sensing element for engaging and detecting slubs in the yarn; monitoring means adapted to monitor the number of slubs detected by the slub detector and adapted to initiate a signal upon the slub detector detecting in excess of a predetermined number of slubs per unit of time; a yarn sensor disposed adjacent the yarn path and comprising a housing, a rocker arm pivotably supported in the housing and having at one end a surface adapted to be engaged by a moving yarn so as to bias the rocker arm into inoperative position and at the other end a magnet of such weight as to bias the rocker arm into operative position when the yarn is out of engagement with said surface of the rocker arm, and a reed switch mounted within the housing adjacent the end of the rocker arm having the magnet and having contacts that have effective and ineffective operating zones as related to the magnet so that when the magnet causes the rocker arm to be moved into the operative position, which is within tHe effective operating zone, the contacts are in engagement for closing an electrical circuit and when the magnet is moved into the ineffective operating zone when the rocker arm is moved into the inoperative position the contacts are out of engagement for opening the electrical circuit; cutting means disposed adjacent the yarn path and adapted to be responsive to either the signal initiated by the monitoring means or when the contacts on the rocker arm are in engagement and upon the happening of either one of these occurrences to be activated into cutting the yarn; waste jet aspirator disposed adjacent the yarn path between the cutting means and the source and adapted in response to the activation of the cutting means to be activated into aspirating into a waste container the cut end of that part of the yarn coming from the source; and electrical circuit means in which are connected the waste jet aspirating means, the cutting means, the slub detector, the monitoring means and the yarn sensor.
 5. A sensing device adapted to be positioned along the path of a moving continuous length of material for closing and opening an electrical circuit, depending upon whether the material is in engagement or out of engagement with the device, and comprising: a housing; a member pivotally supported in the housing and having at one end remote from its position of pivotal support a surface adapted to be engaged by the moving material which biases the member into inoperative position and at the opposite end remote from said pivotal support a magnet, said opposite end being of such weight as to bias the member into operative position when the moving material is out of engagement with said surface of the member; and electrical contacts adapted to be connected within said electrical circuit and to be magnetically responsive and mounted within the housing adjacent the end of the member having the magnet, the electrical contacts having effective and ineffective operating zones as related to the magnet so that when said other end of the member causes the magnet to be moved into the operative position, which is within the effective operating zone, the electrical contacts are in engagement and thereby are adapted to close said electrical circuit, and when the magnet is moved into the ineffective operating zone upon the member being moved into the inoperative position the electrical contacts are out of engagement and thereby are adapted to open said electrical circuit.
 6. A sensing device as defined in claim 5, said housing being adapted to be horizontally disposed along the path of the moving continuous length of material, and the member being similarly horizontally disposed within the housing; the housing having wall means defining therewithin a horizontally disposed chamber within which the member may freely pivot, and further defining at one end of the housing an opening through which the material may be slidingly inserted for moving over and in engagement with said surface on the member.
 7. A sensing device as defined in claim 5, and wherein said electrical contacts define a reed switch with the electrical contacts being normally spaced from each other when the magnet on the opposite end of the member is in the ineffective operating zone, and being in engagement with each other when the magnet is in the effective operating zone. 